As the weather starts to turn and we transition from summer to fall, many look eagerly outdoors to watch the trees change color. According to the Farmers' Almanac, it's going to be another magical landscape of orange, red, and yellow leaves this fall across the US.
While you start to prioritize things on your fall gardening checklist, don't forget to pay attention to the Farmers' Almanac peak fall foliage report – a map dating when fall color will be its brightest in different locations across the US this year.
Divided by state, the report lists exactly when you can expect to see trees for fall color at their best in your local area. Not only this, but it also suggests the best destinations to see fall foliage in these regions.
Fall foliage in the West and Midwest
For those located in West and Midwest states, peak fall foliage is expected for mid-October.
The Farmers' Almanac notes northern parts of states like Illinois, Kansas, and Missouri will have the most vibrant fall leaves between 5-12 October, with southern regions gaining their bright foliage by 12-28 October.
Within the Midwest, the Farmers' Almanac suggests taking a visit to the Lake Geneva area in Wisconsin:
'Wisconsin’s farmlands, lakes, streams, and rivers, combined with an abundance of oak, maple and hickory trees, make it a popular destination for viewing fall leaves,' it notes.
If you have trees in your own yard that are expected to turn during this time, consider making leaf mulch once your leaves have fallen.
Fall foliage in the Northeast
New England is known for its picturesque fall landscape, and this year the Farmers' Almanac peak fall foliage prediction says it will start to come to life as early as the end of September.
The states of New Hampshire and Vermont are expected to have their fall foliage appear in the last week of September, although displays will last up until mid-October.
'For fall foliage, New England can’t be beat. And anyone who has visited Maine knows that Acadia National Park, and the coastal towns along the ocean, provide everything a leaf peeper could ask for,' the Farmers' Almanac says.
'Move inland a bit and you’ll find that Rangeley, in the Western part of the state, offers the perfect mix of brilliant colors; the reds and greens embedded in the mountains provide a perfect backdrop to the contrasting deep blue of the lakes, creating a truly breathtaking fall foliage experience,' it continues.
Fall foliage in the Southwest
For Southwest states, including Arizona and Colorado, fall colors will be on display from October 5, with peak fall foliage lasting almost until the end of the month.
However, for some states in this region, notably Texas, peak fall color is expected later on. The Farmers' Almanac says Texas, Oklahoma, and California will be painted fall hues from the end of October to mid-November.
If this is the case for you, it could mean you'll only be collecting leaves in late-November. This may pose challenges such as winter garden pest presence, so take care not to transfer them between plants when picking up fallen leaves.
'The Logan Canyon Byway has been called 'the byway of all seasons,' although this stretch of US Highway 89 that leads to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park, is particularly stunning in the fall,' the Farmers' Almanac report suggests visiting.
Fall foliage in the Southeast
The Southeast states will get their peak fall foliage in November, providing some late season color ahead of the cold winter weather the Farmers' Almanac winter forecast 2025 predicts.
According to the Farmers' Almanac, the likes of Arkansas and Mississippi will see vivid fall colors from late October into November, while further south in Florida, fall foliage will be its best from November 4-11.
'You’d be hard-pressed to find any terrain more perfectly orchestrated for fall color viewing than the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee,' the Farmers' Almanac says.
'Lots of sumac adds to the brilliant reds but the Park boasts an amazing diversity of trees and terrain that add to the color spectrum - some 100 species of native trees live in the Smokies,' it continues.
FAQs
How long does peak fall foliage last?
Typically speaking, peak fall foliage lasts anywhere from a week to 10 days. After this period, it's common to spot leaves fading and falling from trees, leaving them looking more dull and bare.
As well as planning your trip to view peak fall foliage this year, don't forget to to get to grips with the Farmers' Almanac fall forecast 2025. This will help you prepare your yard for the expected weather, so you can get your plants through the harsher months.
Shop your fall gardening kit:
These gardening gloves with sleeves have a beautiful floral pattern. With leather palms and fingers, your hands will be protected from sharp plant matter.
These heavy duty garden waste bags are perfect for collecting leaves and other garden waste. They're lightweight and have handles to easily move around the yard.
These pruning shears have a steel blade to easily cut through stems and branches. They're ideal for a wide range of pruning tasks, making smooth cuts.
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